With launch of display referencing Private Routledge and the unveiling of his portrait by the Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside.

Local historian, Elizabeth Davey presents a talk on 'Wirral and the Great War' tracing life in Wirral during WWI and in the years immediately following it with special reference to Private Lesley Routledge.

Prior to the talk The Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside will unveil a portrait of Private Leslie James Routledge. The portrait and other items have been bequeathed by the Patricia Routledge Foundation. A small display about Private Routledge will also be officially opened.

"On Sunday 5 July 1925 crowds gathered in Hamilton Square to witness the unveiling of the Cenotaph which commemorated the hundreds of combatants from the Borough of Birkenhead who had lost their lives in the war. Among the names listed on the memorial was that of the twenty two year old Private Leslie James Routledge, killed nearly ten years before on 31 August 1916. Routledge came from Tranmere and his brother Isaac would later become the father of Patricia Routledge. Their family was just one of the many many thousands who during the war had lost fathers, husbands and sons and for whom memorials like the Cenotaph provided a focus for their mourning"

Refreshments will be provided.

Please note that the unveiling will take place on a stairwell that is not step free accessible, plus the display will be exhibited on the first floor with no step free access.

Description supplied by the event organiser.